IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo was held July 14-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Focusing on Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology, the theme for this year’s event was “Collaboration + Innovation: How Can Food Science and Technology Transform the Food System?” 

The past year has brought good news to some nondairy beverage segments. For example, the cappuccino/iced coffee subcategory saw a 12.1% rise in dollar sales, reaching more than $2 billion, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm Information Resources Inc. (IRI) for the 52 weeks ending Aug. 13, 2017. Unit sales increased by 11.8% to 686.6 million.

There’s nothing like a jolt of caffeine to wake up beverage sales. The energy drink sector also gained, but the almond milk category performed even better.

Health and wellness trends continue to penetrate the instant beverage category as consumer demand drives growth for nutritionally fortified products.

Many of the top marketplace trends seen in the food industry as a whole are driving product development efforts and market share expansion in the beverage industry.